1953 Buick Series 50 Super Convertible

1953 was a big year for General Motors as it marked their 50th anniversary. To celebrate, three new stunning models were showcased and for the Buick marque, their car was the Skylark. Also new in 1953 for Buick was the Nailhead V8 engine which had an overhead valve and pushrod-style similar to the design used in Oldsmobile's Rocket V8. In the Super 8 Series 50 cars, the vee on the front of the hood gave an indication to what lay underneath. The Nailhead V8 displaced 322 cubic-inches and produced 170 horsepower. The three-speed manual gearbox was standard with the Dynaflow automatic available as optional equipment. The Super 8 Buicks received standard wheel covers and a horizontal trim bar on its rear fenders. The best equipped Super 8 was the Convertible which had power windows, seats, and a top, as standard.

This 1953 Buick Super 8 Convertible has traveled just 44,000 miles since new. It has been treated to a full frame-up restoration and finished in Cherokee Red paint. It is complimented with whitewall tires and the optional wire wheel covers. The interior features a Wonderbar Radio, complete with foot pedal controls, a red dash and carpeting, chrome, and black accents.

This Super 8 Convertible was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $80,000 - $100,000. It was offered without reserve which worked out well for the buyer who purchased this car for less than half of the estimated value, at $38,500 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2008